Posted 10 months ago by Default Admin 3 Minute(s) to read

To water floss or not to water floss? In recent years, water flossers, like Waterpik and Colgate Blast, have become a popular alternative to traditional dental floss. Instead of using string, water flossers use pressurised water to clean between your teeth and under your gum line. But how do they compare to the traditional method? Here are the pros and cons of both to help you decide.

 

Why floss?

Any flossing is better than no flossing. Ask any dentist. While brushing is essential, it doesn’t clean between the teeth, leaving food particles, plaque and bacteria to accumulate. If left untreated, these nasty buildups can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. It can impact your overall well-being and even impact your heart health if the bacteria enter the bloodstream. 

But is the new way of flossing that the internet is obsessing over better than tried and true dental floss? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and drawbacks of each method.


Water flossers: pros and cons

Pros

  • Reaches stubborn areas: Water flossers can effectively clean tight spaces that might be challenging to reach with traditional floss. A study found them 29% more effective for overall plaque removal compared to traditional floss.
  • Helpful for specific conditions: Water flossers are particularly useful for individuals with braces, dental implants, non-removable bridgework or crowns.
  • Easy to use: Water flossers are user-friendly, making them suitable for people with limited dexterity or those finding string floss difficult to manage.


Cons

  • May not remove all plaque: While water flossers can be effective, they may not entirely remove plaque from the teeth's surface. Using traditional floss to loosen plaque before water flossing can enhance its effectiveness.
  • Costly: Water flossers are more expensive than traditional dental floss.
  • Messy: Some users may find water flossers messier than using dental floss.

 

Traditional flossing: pros and cons

Pros

  • Controlled cleaning: Using dental floss manually allows precise control over cleaning between each tooth.
  • Full tooth coverage: Flossing enables you to clean each tooth in its entirety, including the areas near the gum line.


Cons

  • Unable to reach some areas: Some people may struggle to reach certain areas with traditional floss, especially if their teeth are close together.
  • Gum irritation: Flossing too forcefully or below the gum line may cause gum irritation and bleeding.
  • Limited dexterity: Individuals with limited manual dexterity may find traditional flossing challenging.

 

Water flosser vs. string flossing: the verdict

Both water flossers and traditional flossing have their unique advantages. The best choice depends on your preferences and specific dental needs. Many dentists and oral health specialists recommend combining both methods—the string floss first to remove and loosen larger particles, followed by the water flosser to wash away the rest. 

In the end, the best choice is the one you’ll do regularly and properly. Whether it’s water flossing, dental flossing or both: floss every night and keep brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

 

Ask your dentist

If you're unsure which method suits you best, ask your dentist. Our expert team can assess your dental health, provide personalised recommendations and help you establish an effective oral hygiene routine. Book an appointment online today.